De Appel arts centre, established in 1975, is an internationally acclaimed art institution, occupying a key position in the contemporary art scene and in the field of curatorial studies. Over the past decades de Appel has built up an ambitious public programme, primarily consisting of exhibitions and including performances, lectures and conferences and discussions. A unique hybrid, de Appel also realizes an Expertise Programme, which includes two professional development programmes. The Curatorial Programme, begun in 1994, and the Gallerist Programma (since 2012, in cooperation with the Fair Gallery) enable cultural producers to expand and enhance their professional knowledge. The institution is housed in a unique and recently renovated historical building, opened in May, 2012, and receives structural financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the City of Amsterdam.

Since 2006, the institution has been headed by director Ann Demeester. As Demeester will be assuming the leadership of the Frans Hals Museum and de Hallen arts centre in Haarlem from 1 February 2014, de Appel arts centre is now seeking a Director (for 36 hours per week).

Job descriptionThe Director is both the artistic and the administrative head of the institution. He or she has the final responsibility for policy, programme, budget, administration and general operation of de Appel arts centre, while working in close cooperation with the business manager. Among the director's primary tasks are the development and realization of the public programme, with about five exhibition periods per year, and a supplementary discursive and educational programme. The Director is in charge of the development and implementation of the Curatorial Programme and the Gallerist Programme. Furthermore, the director is responsible for enlarging de Appel's appeal to potential new audience groups, and should seek to acquaint a broad and interested audience with the latest developments in contemporary art. He or she must have an understanding of both financial and human resource administration, and will contribute to developing new strategies for fund raising and alternative financing. The director maintains close relationships with artists and partner institutions, private and public funders and patrons in The Netherlands and abroad, and with representatives of both national and local government. The Director is accountable to the Board of the foundation and leads a knowledgeable staff of eight full-time employees, supplemented by freelancers, interns and volunteers.

ProfileDe Appel arts centre is looking for a Director with great expertise and independence, who has a clear and unique vision with regard to de Appel's profile and position and a strategic vision of the arts sector. He or she must have institutional and management experience within the field of contemporary art, and a broad national and international network. The job requires outstanding social skills, and the ability to think and work at an academic level. The Director should be able to strengthen the institution's front-rank position in the field, nationally and internationally, and be able to enter into partnerships that can expand the institution's social and financial base. The Director of de Appel arts centre must live in Amsterdam, and connect to both city and region. Applicants with a different native language must be willing and able to learn Dutch.

AppointmentThe appointment is initially for a period of one year, and upon possible extension for an unlimited time. Salary is set at a maximum of 55,000 EUR annually, with other conditions by mutual agreement.

ApplicationYou can send your letter of application with a CV by e-mail to the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Alexandra van Huffelen, atvacature@deappel.nl. The closing date for applications is 24 November 2013.

The first round of interviews will be held on 6 January 2014, the second round on 20 January 2014. Prior to this you will receive supplementary information about de Appel arts centre. A psychological test may be part of the procedure. If you do not meet the above profile, you are kindly requested not to apply.